Surgery – Means for introducing or removing material from body for... – Material introduced into and removed from body through...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-28
2001-04-03
Dawson, Glenn K. (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Means for introducing or removing material from body for...
Material introduced into and removed from body through...
C604S028000, C604S275000, C604S257000, C604S514000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210358
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an earpiece that can be used for cleaning wax and other matter from the ear canal of a patient and in particular the external auditory canal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Accumulation of wax in the external auditory canal can cause reduced hearing, tinnitus (ie. ringing in the ears) and some discomfort, as well as predisposing the ear to infection.
The current typical practice for removing the build-up of ear wax involves the introduction of a cleaning fluid, such as water, into the canal using a syringe. The introduced fluid circulates in the canal and then drains out of the ear carrying with it the wax and any other foreign matter present in the canal. The fluid, wax and/or foreign matter draining from the ear is typically collected in a dish or other vessel which is held below the ear.
Some problems with the current method are that it is messy, not very effective and that there is a high incidence of perforation of the eardrum. This latter problem results from the injected fluid or in some instances the syringe being introduced too far into the canal and inadvertently directly striking the delicate structures of the eardrum.
It would be desirable to have an apparatus for cleaning wax and other foreign matter from the ear canal which presented a decreased risk of damaging the eardrum.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect, the present invention comprises an earpiece having a longitudinal axis and arranged to allow at least partial visualisation of an ear canal when the earpiece is in the ear canal, the earpiece having a fluid outlet through which fluid may be directed into the ear canal and which is adapted to direct the fluid passing through the outlet at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis and against the surface of an ear canal into which the earpiece has been introduced.
The earpiece can be used to direct a cleaning fluid into the ear canal to clean wax and other matter therefrom while allowing simultaneous visualisation of the canal. The earpiece can also be used to deliver a therapeutic agent, such as ear drops, into the ear canal.
A fluid delivery means is preferably connected to the fluid outlet of the earpiece. The delivery means can comprise a tube having one end connected to the fluid outlet of the earpiece. The tube can be integral with the earpiece. The other end of the tube can be connected to any suitable fluid supply means. The fluid supply means can comprise a tap, bag or syringe and the fluid will typically be water or a therapeutic agent as requirements dictate. The diameter of the tube is preferably kept relatively small to eliminate high pressure jets of water entering the ear canal and so damaging the eardrum.
The earpiece can be fabricated in one piece. The earpiece preferably has a first portion arranged to at least partially enter the ear canal and a second ear abutment portion. The first portion preferably tapers from a first end to a second distal end arranged to be disposed within the ear canal, The taper of the first portion is arranged such that one may still view the ear canal when the first portion is disposed in the ear canal.
The fluid outlet is preferably disposed proximate the distal end of the first portion and can comprise an orifice in the wall of the first portion.
The second ear abutment portion can comprise a cylindrical ring or tapering member of larger diameter than the first portion. The second portion preferably partially overlaps the first end of the first portion. This sets a maximum distance that the first portion may enter the ear canal so reducing the likelihood of damage to the eardrum by insertion of the irrigation device into the ear. The outer end of the second portion preferably has a standard fitting to allow its connection to an auroscope or like device. Either between or during flushing of the ear canal, the auroscope can be mounted to the earpiece so allowing the physician an opportunity to view whether cleaning of the canal or application of the therapeutic agent is complete.
The second portion can also act as a drain for fluid leaving the ear. The second portion preferably has an outlet port through which the fluid and entrained wax or other matter may drain or be suctioned from the ear.
The first and second portions of the earpiece are preferably joined by a plurality of ribs that extend from proximate the first end of the first portion to the overlying second portion.
The earpiece is preferably fabricated from a plastics material, silicone or a combination thereof and can be disposable.
According to a further aspect, the present invention comprises a method for cleaning wax and other matter from an ear canal comprising the steps of inserting the earpiece as defined herein into the ear canal, and directing fluid through the fluid outlet and into the ear canal.
According to a still further aspect, the present invention comprises a method for delivering a quantity of a therapeutic agent in the form of a fluid into all ear canal comprising the steps of inserting the earpiece as defined herein into the ear canal, and directing fluid through the fluid outlet and into the ear canal.
Either of the further aspects can also include the step of visualising the ear canal before, during and/or after the step of directing the fluid through the fluid outlet.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4036235 (1977-07-01), Hathaway
patent: 4106493 (1978-08-01), Proctor et al.
patent: 4201212 (1980-05-01), Bradley
patent: 4206756 (1980-06-01), Grossan
patent: 4244377 (1981-01-01), Grams
patent: 4258714 (1981-03-01), Leopoldi et al.
patent: 4804362 (1989-02-01), Enzo
patent: 5309899 (1994-05-01), Ginsberg
patent: 5364343 (1994-11-01), Apolet et al.
patent: 5395357 (1995-03-01), Weigel
patent: 5944711 (1999-08-01), Pender
patent: 0243261 (1987-10-01), None
patent: 0502485 (1992-09-01), None
patent: 2185688 (1987-07-01), None
patent: WO84/02655 (1984-07-01), None
patent: WO96/14098 (1996-05-01), None
Cryptych PTY LTD
Dawson Glenn K.
Jacobson Price Holman & Stern PLLC
LandOfFree
Ear irrigation device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Ear irrigation device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ear irrigation device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2438833